Metcalf Culminates Collegiate Swim Career At Williams College

February 21, 2010 by Greg Lederer

At first, Williams College (Williamstown, Mass.) senior swim captain Christina Metcalf avoided thinking about the Jan. 30 meet with Middlebury College. Following a combined eight years at Cheshire High School and Williams, she prepared the same way for her final dual meet.
“I’ve been swimming for so long and it signals the end of it,” said Metcalf, a 2006 graduate of CHS.
The home crowd came out for Senior Day and they weren’t disappointed by a 206-85 victory. Metcalf opened the meet with a victorious 200-yard medley relay (1:50.51), returning to capture the 500-yard freestyle (5:11.48) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:08.86). Winning three events wasn’t something she envisioned during her freshman year.
“That was the culmination of four years. I worked my way up to that point,” explained Metcalf, who puts an emphasis on her time. “Winning events isn’t something I strive for. January is a really intense training month, so I’m hoping that pays off at championships.”
She felt honored to be recognized among eight classmates. Like at CHS, Metcalf was voted as a senior captain and her philosophy is leadership by example.
“That meant a lot to me. Being elected captain demonstrated that I have the respect of my teammates and they view me as a leader. I think that has helped me become a better swimmer,” Metcalf reflected. “Being a senior, I definitely wanted to appreciate each moment. I missed a bunch of the season last year by going abroad (Edinburgh, Scotland). It was a taste of not having the team behind me and showed what I’ve been blessed with. I wanted to make the most of those friendships.”
The support of Head Coach Steve Kuster has meant a great deal to her.
“There are times when he recognizes that I need an extra push. He has faith in me to be a stronger swimmer and it helped give me confidence,” explained Metcalf. “He cares about all the swimmers.”
Because Williams has depth, Metcalf has had the opportunity to be versatile. An All-American freestyler at CHS, she has become a top finisher in breaststroke.
“I’m proud of improving my breaststrokes,” recalled Metcalf, who also treasures setting the 800-yard freestyle relay record (7:32.24) last year. “It was great and something we set our minds to do the year before. The fact that it’s a relay and combined effort, means a lot.”
The breaststroke combines Metcalf with a 2009 CHS graduate. Freshman Lizzy Visconti was the 100-yard breaststroke (1:09.08) and 200-yard medley runner-up (1:51.38) against Middlebury. Metcalf has been a senior leader for her in high school and college.
“I’m used to being the only one with the (Cheshire YMCA Sea Dog Swim Club) skull and bones cap and now there she is. I’ve watched her grow from this little girl to being a great swimmer,” said Metcalf.
CHS swimming is a legacy she shares with her family. Christina, along with Jessica Metcalf (2009 graduate) and senior Melissa Metcalf, are the first sister trio to each captain the program.
“That is a pretty amazing thing,” stated Metcalf. “It’s something we approach with respect and take it seriously. I credit our parents for helping us develop that ability to lead.”
Melissa Metcalf captained CHS to the 2009 Class LL Championship, their first since 2004 and 26th overall.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t go (to Southern Connecticut State University), but my mom and sister were giving me updates,” recalled Metcalf. “I’m so proud of Melissa being a leader on that team. Jessica was able to go and see her teammates carry on that tradition.”
Metcalf recalls how Head Coach Ed Aston pushed her mentally and physically.
“It’s very rewarding, in a sense, because I pushed her to go to Williams,” added Aston. “I thought it was a tremendous fit for her. I’ve seen how she enjoyed the experience and became a captain.”
A five-time All-American with the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays, Metcalf won three class titles (seven total) as a freshman. In one of her highlights, Cheshire rallied to beat Greenwich at the 2004 Class LL and State Open. Metcalf won the 100-yard freestyle in a then Class LL record time (52.89). She also anchored four relay teams to State Open titles.
“She is just so competitive,” said Aston, who considers her to be the strongest anchor he has coached. “If you needed someone to catch up or keep a lead, she would always hold them off there.”
Williams and Cheshire enjoy similar dominance. CHS has won all 16 Southern Connecticut Conference titles, while Williams is unbeaten in nine New England Small College Athletic Conference meets. Williams went undefeated against Division III competition (7-0; 8-1 overall) this winter and they are finishing the 2010 NESCAC Championship today.
“It’s years in the making and you are carrying on that tradition. You appreciate that as you get older,” Metcalf explained.
She credits Sea Dog Head Coach Sean Farrell for seeing her potential in middle school.
“If it weren’t for him, I don’t know if I ever would have been challenged enough to make it to where I am today, either as a person or as a swimmer. He had an incredible amount of faith in in me and I can’t thank him enough for that,” said Metcalf.